Avoid typical gift giving this holiday
Plenty of alternative ideas to the same old Christmas song and dance
Vanessa Conley
Staff Writer
So it’s here again, that joyful time of year where you’re forced to find the perfect present for that special someone. That’s right baby, it’s Christmas time!
Along with the yuletide time of year comes the stress tide. Each year we ask ourselves, “What should I get them?”
And, depending on your budget, maybe your inner Kris Kringle is more of a penny pincher, but fret not. From community events to artist-driven websites there is plethora of gift giving alternatives.
Artist- and craft-based websites
Gifts bought this holiday season don’t have to be purchased at a mall. In fact, you don’t even have to leave your house. Shopping at local retailers is always good, but there’s the trusty old Internet if you are more of a “crowds-freak-me-out” kind of person.
Not everyone is at ease with online shopping, but there are so many secure websites out there that it really shouldn’t be a deterrent. PayPal is a great option for purchasing things online and almost all online retailers accept it.
For more handmade or artistically created merchandise, Etsy.com has an endless amount of options. This website has it all, from clothing and accessories to ceramics and housewares or furniture and antiques, anything can be found. Most items are made from scratch by the creator, or are unique vintage finds.
Another option for the same kind of items is Modcloth.com. It’s the same sort of premise as Etsy, but has a heavier focus on clothing. The site features work from over 700 artists and designers and also gives shoppers a chance to choose items the site should feature through their “Be the Buyer” section of the website.
Power to the shoppers!
Time-share presents
No, don’t go buy a timeshare in Mexico. This is about sharing time with the person you are buying for. Do you know someone who loves to cook? Buy him or her cooking classes for the two or you, that way you are sharing time with that special someone and engaging them in something they enjoy.
Want to go chill out with your best friend? The classic manicure/pedicure combo will give you time to catch up and relax at the same time. (Guys, don’t be afraid. Getting a foot massage is amazing.)
But if aesthetics isn’t your thing, all you have to do is think about what that person enjoys doing. A day on the slopes or a night skating and drinking hot chocolate are presents that take a little bit of thought and can achieve maximum results.
It doesn’t have to be about the present, but about the person. Not everyone wants the newest “it” item, but something that relates to an experience the two of you have shared together.
If nothing comes to mind then simply spending quality together time will make this season far more meaningful for you and your receivers.
Local craft fairs
A great place to start looking for a creative gift is your community. Every city has local artists and artisans that are selling their wares and you can probably find enough events to hit up a craft fair a few times a week if you want to.
It’s a good idea because it helps stimulate the local economy and supports local artists. It’s also a greener alternative to items that are shipped over seas. And how nice is it to meet the people behind the items you are buying?
Looking for some great local gifts? Check out Market Collective Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Dec. 11 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 148 10th Ave. N.W.